'Idol' held auditions in New Orleans earlier this week, but the final "on-to-Hollywood" round of singing for the celebrity judges was put off until later.

Now we know why.

In a statement distributed by Fox, DeGeneres said she is leaving 'Idol' to devote more time to her daytime talk show, which airs locally on WDSU-Channel 6. The statement also revealed that she actually quit the show months ago.

"A couple months ago, I let Fox and the 'American Idol' producers know that this didn’t feel like the right fit for me,” said DeGeneres. “I told them I wouldn’t leave them in a bind and that I would hold off on doing anything until they were able to figure out where they wanted to take the panel next. It was a difficult decision to make, but my work schedule became more than I bargained for. I also realized this season that while I love discovering, supporting and nurturing young talent, it was hard for me to judge people and sometimes hurt their feelings. I loved the experience working on IDOL and I am very grateful for the year I had. I am a huge fan of the show and will continue to be.”

Unconfirmed-by-Fox reports also say that judge Kara DioGuardi is departing the show.

How was DeGeneres as a judge? Who should replace her? And what will the impact of what appears to be a major overhaul be on "American Idol?"